By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, December 3 2025 - Government Spokesperson Dr Isaac Mwaura has called for stronger inclusion of persons with disabilities, warning that sidelining their contributions undermines the country’s social and economic advancement.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Kenya Society for the Blind in Nairobi during the commemoration of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, Dr Mwaura said Kenya cannot progress if a segment of its population remains excluded.
“Every time we suppress the contribution of people with disabilities, we hinder humanity’s progress,” he said. “This year’s theme of an inclusive society for societal progress is important and timely. When everyone makes their contribution, we reduce the burden of care and strengthen our communities.”
He noted that access to education, employment opportunities, and support services enables persons with disabilities to live independently while uplifting others. “When you keep us locked up in homes, unable to advance in education, we make a mockery of human advancement,” he added.
Dr Mwaura urged families and communities to empower children with disabilities, saying they have immense potential to thrive when given equal opportunities. He also commended political parties for increasingly incorporating persons with disabilities in their leadership structures.
The Government Spokesperson warned that under the Disability Act, action will be taken against individuals who body-shame or discriminate against persons with disabilities. Dr Mwaura outlined ongoing government interventions aimed at improving economic participation for persons with disabilities.
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These include access to the Hustler Fund, business development services, and the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme. Under NYOTA, the government increased the age eligibility for youth with disabilities from 29 to 35 years to promote equity, acknowledging that many start life later due to systemic barriers.
According to Dr Mwaura, more than 820 young people with disabilities have so far been enrolled in the programme. NYOTA provides Sh50,000 grants to 70 small businesses per ward nationwide, targeting sectors such as agribusiness, tailoring, and retail. Beneficiaries also receive financial literacy training to enhance sustainability and spur job creation.
Dr Mwaura further highlighted investments in healthcare through community-based rehabilitation, improved access to assistive devices, and the integration of disability-responsive health services within primary healthcare reforms.
He added that schools including Thika Primary School for the Blind have received upgraded learning materials, enhanced teacher support, better infrastructure, and increased teacher training to strengthen inclusion in education.
